Ratgeber & Finanzwissen

After years of mini interest rates, saving in Switzerland is noticeably worthwhile again. However, the differences between providers are large – those who compare get significantly more out of the same savings. The key is to choose the right vehicle for your goal.

Call Money, Fixed-term Deposit, or Pillar 3a?

A call money account is available daily and is suitable for an emergency fund. Fixed-term deposits offer a higher, fixed interest rate over a fixed term – ideal for amounts you won't need for a while. Pillar 3a combines interest with a tax advantage and is intended for long-term pension provision.

What you should look out for

• Is the advertised interest rate permanent or just an introductory offer?
• Is there a minimum deposit or are there account maintenance fees?
• How quickly can you access your money in an emergency?
• Is the bank affiliated with the Swiss deposit insurance scheme?

Unser Fazit

Combine a flexible emergency fund with a tax-advantaged 3a account and – for larger amounts – a fixed-term deposit. Compare interest rates regularly, as they change constantly. You can find all current offers on our page Savings Accounts.

The right credit card can bring you money back every year – the wrong one costs unnecessary fees. The key is to match the card to your spending habits.

Cashback for everyday life

Those who pay a lot in everyday life benefit from a fee-free cashback card. Even two percent on all purchases adds up noticeably over the year. Make sure to settle the balance in full every month – otherwise, the high debit interest eats up the advantage.

Travel benefits for frequent travelers

Travel cards score points with bonus programs, lounge access, and the elimination of foreign currency surcharges. Weigh the expected benefit against the annual fee – for frequent travel, this quickly pays off.

Kostenfallen vermeiden

• Foreign currency surcharge for purchases abroad
• High fees for cash withdrawals
• Effective annual interest rate for installment payments
• Automatic renewal of expensive add-on packages

Compare the current offers on our page Credit Cards and test your knowledge in the Finance Quiz.

A personal loan can be sensible for larger purchases or debt restructuring – provided the conditions are right and the repayment permanently fits into the budget.

Effective annual rate, not teaser rate

Always compare the effective annual interest rate, not the nominal one. It includes all costs and makes offers comparable. In Switzerland, it is legally capped and must be transparently disclosed.

Term and total costs

A longer term lowers the monthly installment but increases the total costs. Choose the shortest term you can comfortably afford.

Check before signing

• Does the installment fit into the budget even with unexpected expenses?
• Are early repayments possible free of charge?
• Is the provider reputable and licensed?

Loans are not granted in Switzerland if they lead to over-indebtedness. Also check whether saving is the cheaper alternative. Current offers: Compare loans.

The right bank account saves you noticeably money every year. Account maintenance, cards, cash withdrawals, and payments abroad add up – more and more providers today completely waive basic fees.

Digital or classic?

Digital banks score with low fees and a modern app. Classic banks offer advice and a branch network. Many combine both – a digital secondary account for the budget and a classic one for the salary.

How to successfully switch

Switching accounts is easier than many think: open a new account, transfer standing orders and salary payments, close the old account. Check switching bonuses and their conditions.

• Basic fee and card costs
• Foreign currency surcharges on trips
• Interest on the balance
• Quality of app and customer service

Compare suitable offers on our page Bank Accounts.

Saving doesn't start with giving something up, but with an overview. Anyone who knows where their money flows almost always finds leeway. These 15 tips can be implemented immediately.

• Keep an expense log for a month.
• Create a budget according to the 50-30-20 rule.
• Automate a standing order to the savings account.
• Build an emergency fund of three to six months' expenses.
• Use Pillar 3a for the tax advantage.
• Compare health insurance premiums annually.
• Switch to a fee-free account.
• Cancel unused subscriptions.
• Buy groceries with a shopping list.
• Check electricity and telecom providers.
• Always pay off credit cards in full.
• Make larger purchases out of season.
• Set concrete savings goals.
• Avoid expensive cash withdrawals abroad.
• Review your progress once a month.

Even a few of these steps make a significant difference over the year. Start with a suitable savings account.

Pillar 3a is the tied private pension provision in Switzerland and one of the most effective levers for simultaneously saving taxes and providing for old age.

Der doppelte Vorteil

Deposits are deductible from taxable income up to an annual maximum amount. So you save taxes immediately and let your capital grow at the same time.

Interest or securities solution?

A 3a interest solution is safe and low-volatility. A securities solution invests in funds and offers higher yield opportunities in the long term with higher risk – sensible with a long investment horizon.

Important to know

• The capital is tied up until shortly before retirement.
• Early withdrawal is only possible in legally regulated cases.
• Multiple 3a accounts can stagger the withdrawal later for tax purposes.

Compare 3a offers on our page Savings Accounts.